Christian Butler
Director

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Christian Butler brings over three decades of leadership in the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage industries, with deep expertise in building high-performing sales teams, launching and scaling iconic brands, and advising early-stage ventures on go-to-market strategies and exit planning.

Mr. Butler began his career with the Foster’s Group in Australia, working within their direct-to-consumer wine business, Cellarmaster Wines. He later transitioned into the wine closure sector with Arlco, a pioneer in synthetic closure manufacturing, where he developed a strong appreciation for innovation. In response to the grape oversupply of the mid-2000s, he was awarded an Australian Commonwealth Government grant from the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research for his pioneering work in grape juice concentrate technologies. 

Mr. Bulter founded Van Diemen Distillery in Tasmania, a craft producer specializing in small-batch vodka and vodka liqueurs. He successfully expanded the brand in Shanghai over a six-year period, culminating in a successful exit in 2018. 

In 2019, Mr. Butler joined Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirit Co as Senior Vice President, where he was instrumental in establishing the company’s commercial operations and building a global sales team. Under his leadership, Lyre’s achieved a valuation of $360 million by the end of 2023.

Mr. Butler holds a Bachelor of Wine Marketing from the University of Adelaide. While based in Shanghai, he was an active member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), where he served on the board as Strategic Alliance Chair.